Other Sports

Magical Messi hat-trick fires Argentina past Algeria

Lionel Messi produced a sensational hat-trick as Argentina opened their Group J campaign in style with a commanding 3–0 victory over Algeria at Kansai Stadium on Wednesday morning, in a performance that blended dominance, control and ruthless finishing.The match began with early controversy as Algeria thought they had taken a shock lead in the 8th minute. Ibrahim Maza threaded a clever pass to Fares Chaïbi, who finished calmly past the goalkeeper, but VAR intervened to rule the effort out for offside, denying the North Africans a dream start.##NAJAVA_MECA_9801983##Argentina quickly settled into rhythm and began dictating possession through Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. Their control of midfield gradually pushed Algeria deeper, forcing them to defend in numbers while looking for counterattacks.The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute. Messi combined beautifully with De Paul at the edge of the box before curling a trademark finish into the top right corner t..

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Haaland hits a brace as Norway hammer Iraq in Boston

Norway produced a commanding performance at Boston Stadium on Wednesday morning, sweeping aside Iraq 4-1 in a lively World Cup Group I encounter, with Erling Haaland once again at the centre of the action, scoring twice in a ruthless display of finishing.The opening stages were played at a high tempo, with both sides showing intent. Norway gradually took control through neat passing moves, and Haaland was already sniffing chances inside the box, though Iraq’s defence initially held firm.##NAJAVA_MECA_9802016##The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when David Wolfe threaded a brilliant pass into the area, allowing Haaland to burst through and fire emphatically into the top right corner. It was a clean, clinical finish that gave Norway a deserved 1-0 lead.Iraq responded well and found their equaliser in the 39th minute. Amir Al Ammari delivered a clever lofted ball into the box, and Aymen Hussein rose highest to guide a close-range header past Ørjan Nyland, bringing the score to 1-1..

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Lions of Teranga’s brave heart can’t suppress the magic! Senegal shine, but Olise and Mbappe are out of this world

Don’t let the final score fool you – Senegal have all the reasons to be proud of their World Cup opener despite a 3-1 loss to France on Tuesday night at New Jersey Metlife Stadium.Not only did the Lions of Teranga represent their country with pride and dignity, but Pape Thiaw’s men were actually close to upsetting the two-time world champions.However, if you create three clear-cut chances against Les Bleus’ dream team and fail to break the deadlock, expect a cold-hearted punishment!Micheal Olise saw 4 Senegal players blocking the path to Kylian Mbappe but Olise said “Nahh… I’d still find Mbappe” 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/imxBesVvCb https://t.co/y6g5foekaP— Nuel (@LfcNuel) June 16, 2026 🚨🚨| GOAL: KYLIAN MBAPPE WITH A BRACE!!!France 3-1 Senegalpic.twitter.com/bWWCDNsnhr— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 16, 2026 And that’s exactly what Didier Deschamps’ side served them on a plate in the second half of this super-exciting battle on the wings of France’s mesmerising attacking duo, Michael Olise ..

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Cruel twist for Livramento, surprise opportunity for Chelsea defender

England’s World Cup campaign has suffered an early setback before a ball has even been kicked.Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament through injury, forcing Thomas Tuchel into a late change to his squad less than 24 hours before the Three Lions’ opening Group L clash against Croatia. His replacement will be Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.BREAKING: Tino Livramento has suffered a hamstring injury and is out of the World Cup, with Trevoh Chalobah being called up to replace him 🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/k2i88s76kd— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 16, 2026 The timing could hardly be worse for Livramento, who had been hoping to make his major tournament debut after earning a place in Tuchel’s World Cup plans. Capable of operating on either flank, the Newcastle United defender was considered a valuable option heading into England’s opener.Instead, a calf injury has brought his World Cup dream to a premature end.Livramento’s withdrawal continues a frustrating run of fitn..

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Nairobi City Thunder ink new Ksh10 million sponsorship deal

I&M Bank Limited has announced a Ksh10 million sponsorship deal with Nairobi City Thunder, underlining its commitment to the growth of Kenyan sport and youth development.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe investment will see the bank become the club’s Official Banking Partner for the remainder of the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League season as Nairobi City Thunder continues its push to establish itself among Africa’s elite basketball clubs.##NAJAVA_MECA_9802016##The partnership, which took effect on Monday, 25 May 2026, will run until the end of the season in September, with an automatic extension should the campaign be prolonged.Speaking during the launch, I&M Bank Regional CEO Kihara Maina said the partnership reflects the bank’s belief in the power of sport to transform lives and create opportunities for young people.Harambee Stars forward faces major dilemma with Real Sociedad”We are proud to stand with Nairobi City Thunder at a time when the club continues to rais..

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Amorim’s nine-year-old Milan prophecy finally comes true

Football fans know the drill. A player or coach joins a new club, holds up the shirt and declares: “I’ve always dreamed of being here.”More often than not, it sounds like a well-rehearsed line rather than a genuine confession.But Ruben Amorim’s arrival at AC Milan is different.A flop at United, so what? Amorim on the verge of signing for European giantsThe Portuguese coach has officially been unveiled as the new manager of the Rossoneri, taking on the challenge of reviving one of Europe’s most storied clubs after a disappointing campaign. Yet unlike many of football’s standard unveiling-day declarations, Amorim’s affection for Milan can be traced back nearly a decade.The seven-time European champions remain one of the biggest names in world football, even if the glory days feel increasingly distant. Aside from the brief resurgence overseen by club legend Paolo Maldini before his controversial departure in 2023, Milan have spent much of the last 15 years searching for a route back to th..

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England-based striker delighted after joining father, brother in representing Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars forward Micah Obiero has described his maiden call-up and debut for Kenya as the fulfilment of a family dream, after becoming the latest member of the Obiero family to represent the national team.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 25-year-old Wealdstone FC striker recently made his senior international debut during Kenya’s two friendly matches against Lesotho in South Africa, capping off what has been a breakthrough year in his career.Obiero made his first appearance for Harambee Stars as a second-half substitute in the opening fixture before making an even bigger impact in the second match, where he provided an assist as Kenya cruised to an emphatic 4-0 victory.Harambee Stars forward faces major dilemma with Real SociedadThe call-up came on the back of a stellar 2025/26 season in England. The striker finished as Wealdstone’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions and was voted the club’s Players’ Player of the Season, recognition of his impressive dev..

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Palace appoint Sage, Lens found a German coach

Last season was historic for both Crystal Palace and Lens. The London club won its first European trophy by lifting the Conference League, while the French side claimed the first Coupe de France title in its 120-year history. Now, in a way, their paths have crossed. Pierre Sage (47), the man who worked wonders with Lens by keeping them in the Ligue 1 title race with Paris Saint-Germain until the very end of the season while simultaneously guiding them to victory in France’s second-most important competition, has become Crystal Palace’s new manager.Pierre is Palace 🦅We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Pierre Sage as Manager.— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) June 15, 2026 The London club had known since last September that Oliver Glasner would not extend his contract and had plenty of time to find a suitable replacement. Their first choice was Andoni Iraola, but the Spaniard ultimately chose Liverpool. Still, appointing Sage, who previously managed Olympique Lyon before taking cha..

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How legendary Senegalese coach helped Tusker clinch Mozzart Bet Cup title

Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette has revealed that legendary Senegalese coach Lamine N’Diaye had a hand in quenching their decade-long wait for the Mozzart Bet Cup title.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Brewers emerged as the winners of the prestigious tourney after a hard-fought 2-1 win over 2024 champions Kenya Police FC on Sunday, 14 June at the Kwale Stadium.Harambee Stars forward faces major dilemma with Real SociedadA first-half brace from former Nzoia Sugar winger Ian Simiyu, either side of an Abud Omar spectacular free kick, was all that the 12-time FKF Premier League champions needed to end their 10-year wait for Mozzart Bet Cup glory.While many marvelled at the tactical success of Tusker, an unseen hand was pivotal in their victory, as was revealed by their head coach, Julien Mette.##NAJAVA_MECA_9801983##“I want to thank Lamine N’Diaye, who is the USM Alger coach and a friend of mine. He took time to call me and gave me a lot of advice as a big brother, and I ..

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It’s never too late! Ex-United boss makes World Cup bow at 67

For most football managers, a World Cup debut arrives much earlier in their careers. For Ralf Rangnick, it has taken until the age of 67.The former Manchester United manager is set to lead Austria into their opening World Cup match against Jordan (Wednesday 7 am), marking his first appearance on football’s biggest stage despite decades spent shaping the modern game.Yet Rangnick is refusing to buy into suggestions that Austria should be considered overwhelming favourites.##NAJAVA_MECA_9801995##The veteran coach has pointed to several surprise results already produced at the tournament, warning that reputations alone mean very little once the action begins.”My players don’t need any warning,” Rangnick said ahead of the clash.”They know exactly what kind of opponent they are facing. If the opening matches have shown us anything, it’s how little you can rely on the favourite’s tag nowadays.”African heart doesn’t fear Spain! Cabo Verde snatch heroic point against European champions!Austria ..

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